This very special experience of Peter, James and John comes at a time when they are depressed. Jesus has told them He will be arrested and put to death by the leaders of their own people. If Jesus is the Messiah, this does not make any sense. So they are given this brief glimpse of who Jesus really is. The appearance of Moses and Elijah, who represent the Old Testament tradition, shows their total endorsement of Jesus. Then the cloud, representing the presence of God Himself, comes down on them. Out of that comes the voice of total support for Jesus: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." And the instruction: "Listen to him." They are to listen carefully to every word Jesus speaks, especially when He speaks of His coming suffering, death and rising from the dead. They do not understand now but they will later on not only understand it but give their lives in proclaiming it. Let us follow in their footsteps.